Of the 220 million tourists to the region every year, over 100 million flock to the beaches. In less than 20 years, the annual number of tourists visiting the area is expected to increase to 350 million.
The huge tourism infrastructure developments have dramatically altered the natural dynamics of Mediterranean coastal ecosystems. For example, more than half of the 46,000km coastline is now urbanized, mainly along the European shores. This infrastructure is a major cause of habitat loss in the region, and some locations are now beyond repair. Other problems associated with tourism include further pressure on resources such as water.
As well as destroying their environment, this tourism does not even contribute significantly to the income of local people: 2/3 of the income from Mediterranean tourism from 2001-2004 went to fewer than 10 tour operators from northern Europe.
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